....but I guess it's all relative. Housing in the Bay Are is absolutely unbelievable....totally ridiculous.....hope you will be getting a decent salary.
I just moved 2 years ago from Hayward (East Bay) out to Manteca in the central valley as housing was actually affordable. The house I moved from was nice, built in 1960 1800 sf 4 br 2ba in the foothills. Bought it 12 years ago for $225k and my ex just sold it for $575k. The house I bought 2 years ago in Manteca is 22 years old, 1600 sf 3 br 2 ba large lot with swimming pool and side access (RV parking) and it was $275k....quite a difference and was definetly worth it. The only drawback it the commute. I drive to San Jose every day....about 75 miles each way and takes about 2 hours..so I'm in my car about 4 hours a day. Glad my 530 is comfortable!
Not sure about repair rates as I can't compare to other parts of the country. As always, the dealer is very pricey, but there are some good Indy's that will work with you. Still, it's better to DIY....and I'm slowly learning. The mechanical stuff isn't so bad, but the electrical is what get's me.
Where in Mt. View might you be? I used to work over there about 4 years ago.
Mark